SPECS

Shoe Type:  Premium Stability Running Shoe

Heel Drop: 10mm

Weight:   266g (9.3 oz) women's & 305g (10.7oz) men's

Width:  Standard & Wide

Price: $165

Similar Shoes:  Asics Gel Nimbus 26 & New Balance Vongo V6

Introduction

For years, Asics has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the running shoe industry, producing exceptional sneakers tailored to "make movement feel better", as stated in its well-known philosophy.  The Asics Gel Kayano 31 has been revamped to do just that- offer comfort, support, and resilience with every stride.

As a premium stability running shoe, the Gel Kayano 31 has been designed with several stability features, such as the 4D guidance technology, a flared midsole, a widened base, and special foam to help those with overpronation. There has been a massive improvement in the outsole and the upper of this shoe compared to its predecessor, the Gel Kayano 30. At $165, the Asics Gel Kayano 31 promises an unparalleled running experience for both stability and comfort seekers.

Asics Gel Kayano 31 Upper Design and Fitting

The upper of the Gel Kayano 31 is made of a thin and plush engineered mesh that offers a snug, sock-like fit, unlike its predecessors. Having done away with the knit upper in the Gel Kayano 30, Asics made the upper much more plush to enhance comfort. Moreover, the breathability of the new engineered mesh in the Gel Kayano 31 is superb, as my feet remained cool and dry after logging 13 miles in warm California weather.

There has been increased padding in designated sections of the Gel Kayano 31, such as the tongue and heel collar, to provide added comfort and support for the feet. The tongue is thicker and gives much-needed cushioning for my instep. Similarly, the heel collar is well-padded and is lined with knitted fabric to enhance comfort and secure the foot while running. The pull tab at the heel collar is strategically placed, making it easier for me to slip into the shoes and minimize the hassle of taking them off.

Since the base of the Gel Kayano 31 has been widened to offer that stability factor, I find that the toebox is roomy, offering my toes enough space to splay. The forefoot is also much more accommodating, and I can attest that it fits true to size. I went for  men's size 9, which I find perfectly snug. The heel counter is moderately flexible and sufficiently padded, ensuring ample heel lockdown and reducing slippage.

I love the traditional lacing system in the Gel Kayano 31, which gives a secure and customizable fit. The laces allow for easy adjustments, ensuring the shoe moulds comfortably to the shape of my foot while providing reliable support, especially during my recovery runs. 

Asics Gel Kayano 31 Midsole Design and Performance

The midsole of the Gel Kayano 31 is quite similar to that of its predecessor, the Gel Kayano 30. It is crafted with the soft and lightweight Asics FF Blast Plus Eco Foam in the forefoot and midfoot and the PureGel foam below the heel. The combination of the two foams provide a soft, well-cushioned ride that is still responsive and stable. Slipping into the pair for the first time gave a remarkably plush feel that was out of this world.

The primary stability feature in the midsole of the Gel Kayano 31 is the 4D guidance foam positioned at the midfoot to support the inner section of the foot and help the feet maintain a neutral position during runs. For runners with overpronation, this is will help. Besides, it is not restrictive. Stability is provider without interference with natural gait cycle.

Another stability feature of the shoe is a sculpted midsole, which enables lateral compression, ensuring that the foot does not roll inwards excessively when running. Moreover, Asics added a flared midsole to widen the midfoot based and ensure stable landings and seamless toe-offs. As much as I have a neutral running gait, these features are a welcome addition to my long runs since they offered extra support when fatigue kicked in.

Note that Asics Gel Kayano 31 has a 40mm heel stack and measures 30 mm at the forefoot, giving a 10mm heel drop. Unlike traditional stability shoes, which tend to be clunky, this pair is lightweight and much more forgiving to my feet. It weighs 266g (9.3 oz) for the women's version and 305g (10.7oz) for the men's. Still, I would not recommend them for racing or speed workouts.

Outsole

Asics made some major changes to the outsole of Asics Kayano 31 by eliminating the AHAR+ rubber outsole in the previous version and incorporating the Hybrid AsicsGrip rubber outsole for improved grip and traction on diverse surfaces. This new outsole rubber offers a firm grip on most terrain but falls somewhat short on wet surfaces. Though not that bad!

Besides, after logging 120 miles in the Gel Kayano 31, I have noticed minimal wear. The outsole's abrasion-resistant rubber compound made it more resilient, whether I was running on paved roads or light trails.

Ride

The Asics Gel Kayano 31 rides smooth and stable, owing to the core stability features in the midsole and excellent cushioning. The shoe's midsole geometry keeps the foot centred, offering a balanced and controlled experience throughout the run. This combination delivers a comfortable, responsive, and steady ride ideal for runners seeking added comfort and support.

Why You Should Buy Asics Gel Kayano 31

If you suffer from overpronation, the Gel Kayano 31 is an ideal pair that will offer much-needed support for your feet. Due to their excellent but subtle stability features, these shoes would also run well for those with flat feet or high arches.

The shoes are also perfect for heel strikers due to the rearfoot PureGel insert that cushions your landing at the heel.

Why You Should Not Buy Gel Kayano 31

If your feet tend to supinate, the Asics Gel Kayano 30 would not be ideal due to the lateral compression at the midsole.

If you are looking for racing shoes, this pair may also not be suitable since it is heavier.  

Since Asics Gel Kayano may also not suit a daily trainer who is not into motion-control trainer.

What to Expect from Asic Gel Kayano 31

• Stability/Motion control
• Comfort
• Plush
• Breathability
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Pricey (it is a premium shoe)

Reviewd by Charles Allen

Allen lives in Honokaa, Hawaii, with a wife and three kids. He is a regular trainer and has been running for the last eight years. Sometimes he competes in short marathons. He also provides personal training services to spice up his training sessions, especially on weekends.